Florida Heat

  Ruby clutched her bag and looked at Jo. “I’ve been here before,” she said with sudden recognition.

  “It’s a good place,” Jo said, gently taking her arm and steering her inside. “You’ll be safe inside and look, it’s cool in here!”

  The greeter smiled. “We’re having chicken for dinner tonight.”

  “Mashed potatoes and gravy?” Ruby asked.

  “Yes, and biscuits with lots of butter and honey.”

  Ruby turned to Jo. “This will be okay for Ruby’s vacation,” she said solemnly. “The beds are lumpy but the food is okay.” And turning she let the woman lead her away.

  For a moment Jo just stood in the lobby. Had Ruby really seen Christian and some woman? And how reliable would her information be? Then she thought of the piece of candy that was sitting on her desk waiting for Cindy. The generosity of the poor, she thought, wasn’t rare, just rarely noticed.

  Chapter Ten

  “What a great party!” Cathy Tiller stood next to Diana. “She had no idea. Did you see the look on her face? It was priceless.”

  Diana Harkins smiled. “Yep, we pulled it off.”

  Cathy looked around the restaurant’s gaily, decorated banquet room. Clusters of helium balloons filled each corner and floated as centerpieces atop each table. A long table near the front was piled high with gifts, while another held a cake that said “Happy 30th Phyllis.”

  “We nothing,” Cathy said. “You take credit where credit is due. Nobody could have pulled this off like you did. The room is beautiful, the dinner was fantastic, Phyllis was surprised, and heck – you got the entire faculty, including Betsy to come.”

  Diana beamed with satisfaction. The room did look spectacular and her best friend had been surprised. “Well, I might have organized it but I had a lot of help setting things up.”

  Cathy patted her arm. “And you got Field Day back.”

  “That definitely wasn’t me,” she said still smiling. “The parents pulled that one out of the trash.”

  “And who set up the parents and gave them the incentive to go in and harass Mr. Phelps?”

  Diana’s grin came slow. “Maybe I did make a few specific calls.”

  “Few my ass,” Cathy shook her head. “You ran right over that man and he never knew what hit him. How did Betsy take the news? She can be quite a pill when things don’t go her way.”

  “She’s fine. She never wanted to be in charge of it anyway. I get Field Day back and on schedule and she’s relieved of being chairperson. She hates being outside in the heat so she’ll stay home and call for a substitute that day and everybody will be happy.”

  “And how long is it going to take Mr. Phelps to forgive you?”

  Diana rocked back on her heels and continued to watch her friends on the dance floor. “That might take a little longer,” she confided. “But I’ll get around him. After we have the best Field Day in history, I’ll get the same parents who complained to go and compliment him. He’ll accept the praise as if the new additions were his ideas, and all will be forgiven.”

  “Yeah, he’ll accept the credit for your hard work – and you hope all will be forgiven. But I tell you, Diana, I’ve never seen that man so angry. After Mrs. Montgomery left his office, his face was so red it was almost purple. I thought he was going to have a stroke right on the spot.”

  Now Diana turned to give Cathy her full attention. “Did you hear what she said to him? I know she can come on a little strong sometimes.”

  “A little strong? Like “my husband is on the Board of Directors and if I have to start making phone calls to my friends who have children here, you can start looking for a new position” strong?”

  Diana winced. “Ouch, I told her to be forceful not threatening. No wonder he’s so angry.”

  “That’s not the half of it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed because you’ve been so busy with the details here, but he’s been staring daggers at you all evening. Even his wife noticed and called him on it.”

  “I bet that didn’t go over well. Maybe I should go over and make nice.”

  “If I were you I’d stay as far away as possible until the man cools down. Don’t ask for trouble when you already have a plate full.”

  “I guess you’re right. Besides, I don’t want to do anything to spoil Phyllis’s party.” Diana pulled out her eye drops.

  “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

  “What? These? No, it’s just this darn weather has sent my eye allergies into overdrive.” She tipped back her head and quickly dispensed several drops in each eye. Blinking, she smiled at Cathy. “These seem to help.” She slipped the tiny bottle back into her pocket. “Then, if you’re really okay,” Cathy continued, “my suggestion is to get some of that delicious cake before the rest of the gang scarfs it all down.”

  Phyllis danced across the floor then stopped and caught Diana in a tight hug. “You are the best friend a girl ever had! I love this party. I can’t believe no one slipped and let me in on it!”

  Diana returned the hug. “Well you only turn 30 once.”

  “Thank god! Look when this is over do you want to come back to our place for a drink?”

  “I’d love to,” Diana said. “But I think Jack has plans for you for tonight.”

  Phyllis blushed and continued to beam. “Did he give you any help with this at all?”

  Diana nodded. “You have a very devoted fiancé. He came up with a great friends list and hence,” she gestured to the crowded room, “one banging party.”

  “Well, I can’t thank you enough. And no offense, but you look exhausted.”

  “It’s my eyes,” Diana said. “These allergies are driving me crazy. I’ve got an appointment with the doctor tomorrow to see if he can actually prescribe something. The over-the-counter drops help, but only for a short time. I’m putting them in constantly and I don’t think that’s a good thing.”

  “Well, call me if they want to dilate your eyes and you need a ride home.”

  “Thanks, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. Look, why don’t you start opening your gifts now? It’s getting late and I know everyone wants to see what’s in those spectacular packages.”

  “A fantastic party and I get presents!” Phyllis all but sang. She gave Diana another quick hug and turned to Cathy. “Isn’t she just the best ever?”

  Cathy grinned in return. “The very best.”

  They oohed and ahhed as Phyllis opened her presents. Some were funny; like the bottle of Grecian hair dye, some were beautiful, like the gold charm bracelet from Jack, and some were surprising in their thoughtfulness, like the movie tickets from Betsy.

  It was nearing midnight when Diana was finally able to help Phyllis and Jack carry the last of the gifts to the car.

  “I can’t believe how warm it still is,” Jack said closing the trunk. “It’s midnight and the temp is still knocking the mid 90’s. Makes you wonder what tomorrow will be like.”

  “I can tell you that,” Diana said, swatting at the no-see-ums that swarmed around their white car. “Hot, hot and hotter.”

  “Well I’ve got to thank you again for the best birthday ever,” Phyllis said. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back with us for a drink?”

  Diana shook her head. “I have an early appointment tomorrow so I’m home to bed. You both enjoy the rest of your evening. And I’ll see you,” she hugged Phyllis, “at school on Monday.”

  Calling good night and goodbye, Diana walked to her car and climbed in. She quickly turned over the motor and clicked the air to high. What a night, she thought, pulling out of the parking lot, and what a great party. Now if her eyes just weren’t so itchy. She reached in her pocket for her eye drops.

  * * *

  Sherry sat at her pretend vanity and continued to fuss with her hair. Ricky always said he liked the way it tumbled around her face. She smiled at herself and tried to stop the flutters that had been in her stomach since he had sent her the text. Tonight he was taking her someplace spe
cial and would she wear that cute black outfit again? She heaved a sigh. None of the boys she knew at school would even remember what clothes she’d worn, let alone ask her to wear something special. But Ricky was like that. He’d told her she was beautiful. She tied a scarf around her neck and tried to decide if it made her look more sophisticated or just silly. No, it was too hot for a scarf. She fanned herself with the limp silk. She’d already opened the window so the telltale screech wouldn’t wake her old man when she climbed out. But now the heat from the day was pouring in through the window and making her sweat. The house was never that cool to begin with and this was turning her room into a furnace.

  Picking up the little plastic fan she’d gotten from the dollar store she clicked it on. The blades whirled and Sherry held it up to face her. Warm air blowing was better than no air. But within minutes the fan slowed and then stopped. She jiggled it then pulled out the batteries. They put such crap in these things. She stood and tiptoed to the door of her room. Ma kept batteries in the freezer, and she could already hear the old man snoring in front of the TV, but Ma hadn’t left yet. With her hand on the doornob Sherry hesitated. If Ma saw her in this outfit with her tight skirt just south of legal and her halter top with the deep V in the front, she’d know something was up and start with the third degree. And if she was late, Sherry wasn’t sure Ricky would stay and wait for her. He’d been very specific as to what time she was to be on the corner. So far she’d never been late, so if she wasn’t there, would he wait or just drive on? No, she couldn’t think about that right now. Ricky had told her she was beautiful, and no one, not even her mother had ever said that to her.

  Deciding not to take the chance, Sherry perched on the corner of her bed. She had her radio playing low so if Ma listened at the door she wouldn’t think anything was up. And she’d stuff pillows under the spread just before she left so if someone decided to open the door and check, a quick glance would convince them she was already asleep.

  When she finally heard the front door open then close, she prayed it didn’t wake her father. She listened and a few minutes later the car started and pulled out of the drive. Glancing at the clock Sherry breathed a sigh of relief. She wouldn’t be late. Quickly she fixed the pillows. Taking her old hairpiece, she wrapped it around her stuffed parrot then placed it on the pillow half under the covers. She stepped over to the door to survey her creation. Yep, with the lights off it should do the trick. Grabbing her purse Sherry eased herself out the window. Ricky, here I come.

  He was late. Sherry stood restlessly on the assigned corner and tried to ignore the horns that blew as the cars rode by. Where was he? She checked her watch again. Had he changed his mind? She leaned against the brick wall of the bakery and tried to stay out of the light so the bugs wouldn’t find her as easily. Her curls were going limp, and she could feel sweat trickling down her neck.

  The catcalls from passing cars were really starting to get to her and Sherry felt her eyes begin to sting. Taking a tissue from her purse, she dabbed at the sweat on her face and neck and tried not to smear her makeup. She knew what her reputation was. Nicole and her stuck up friend Willow had seen to that. Had Ricky heard something and decided they were right? Was he dumping her? Maybe this was all just a joke to see how long pathetic little Sherry would stupidly stand on the corner and listen to jeers from the passing cars while she melted from the heat. She’d been the butt of jokes before but this would be the worst. A tear ran down her cheek and she angrily swiped it away. Well she’d give him ten more minutes, and then she was out of here. The relief she felt when his car pulled to the curb was overwhelming. She opened the door and slipped inside.

  “You’re late,” she said trying to sound more angry than hurt. She turned the air vents to blow on her face. “It’s so fricking hot out there.”

  Ricky reached over and stroked the back of her neck. “I’m sorry, Baby Doll. I got held up. I was trying to pick out a present for you and I couldn’t decide.”

  Sherry turned to look at him. God he was gorgeous. Movie star handsome with that sharp jaw and deep set eyes that smoldered when he looked at her. “You got me a present?”

  “If you come on over here and plant one on,” he tapped his lips, “I might be persuaded to give it to you.”

  Sherry moved across the seat and leaned against him. His arm wrapped around her pulling her even closer. “Now that’s better,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ve been thinking of you all day.”

  When he eased her back, she was breathless. He didn’t fumble when he touched her like the boys at school did. “You said you got me a present?” She tried to sound casual but her words came out in a gasp.

  Ricky smiled and reaching past her, flipped open the glove compartment. He withdrew a long black box and dropped it in her lap. Sherry picked it up and clutched it to her chest with both hands. “It’s really for me?” No one ever gave her gifts, she thought. She got the obligatory gift or two at Christmas, but no one even remembered her birthday let alone a gift for no reason at all. Ricky smiled and nodded.

  “Are you just going to sit and hold it all night or are you going to open it?”

  Struggling to keep her tears at bay, Sherry opened the box to find a slender gold chain with a delicate heart charm hanging from it. “You stole my heart,” he said quietly taking the chain from the box and lifting it over her head. He adjusted the position of the heart directly between her breasts and Sherry felt her stomach go weak again as his knuckles brushed back and forth against her.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said finally. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Not as beautiful as you, Baby Doll.” Ricky smiled pulling the car from the curb.

  Sherry tried not to show her disappointment when he drove them to the bar he had taken her to before. He had said they were going someplace special, but in her mind the Night Owl Bar wasn’t it. She’d been excited the first time he’d brought her here, but once inside the glamour had disappeared. The place reeked of beer and other odd smells, and peanut shells littered the floor. It was on the dark side and despite the waitress giving their table a wipe, the top had still been sticky. And for some odd reason Ricky always parked in the back. She didn’t utter a sound when once again he took her hand and led her in through the kitchen.

  “Our booth,” he said proudly as he steered her to the back corner of the room.

  She tried to slide in but her legs were still damp from the heat and stuck to the leather bench. Awkwardly she maneuvered, trying to keep her skirt from riding to her waist. Having no problems at all, Ricky slipped in across from her then reached to take her hand. “So how was school?”

  Sherry shook her head as he played with her fingers. “I don’t want to talk about that. What did you do today?”

  “Oh a little of this and a little of that.” He smiled in a way that had her stomach going all fluttery again. And he didn’t drop her hand when the waitress came to the table to get their order.

  She’d started to ask for a Diet Pepsi, but Ricky spoke first. Sherry tried not to act surprised when he ordered a beer for each of them and a shot for himself. He’d never ordered alcohol for her before and she waited in agony for the waitress to ask for her ID, but the woman just nodded and went back to the bar.

  When their beers came moments later, Ricky picked up his mug and gestured for her to do the same. “Down the hatch, Baby Doll. This is the best drink with the weather so fucking hot.” They clinked mugs and Ricky took a deep drink draining nearly half his glass.

  Sherry sipped the cold brew and tried not to grimace. She’d tasted beer before but found she didn’t like it. She wondered how she could politely ask for a soda, then dismissed the idea as too childish. She reached up with one hand to touch the heart charm that now rested between her breasts. Then holding the frosty mug with her other hand gulped down as much as she could stand.

  “Good stuff,” Ricky said, tossing back his shot and then finishing the rest of his beer.
br />   “What’s in the shot?” she asked, trying to ignore the way her stomach flutters had turned to a queasy churn.

  “Why, it’s good tequila. Want to try one?”

  Her brain told her no way, but Sherry heard herself say, “Sure, why not?”

  Ricky smiled and reached for the hand that held her necklace. He let a finger slip under her halter and instinctively she pulled back. “Ricky,” she giggled feeling her face go hot. “What are you doing?” She glanced around quickly to see if anyone had noticed, but no one was even looking in their direction.

  Ricky leaned over the table. “I want a kiss,” he said firmly. “Right here, right now.”

  Sherry’s eyes went wide. “In public, like this?”

  “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” The hurt expression on his face was her complete undoing.

  “Oh,my gosh, no,” and leaning toward him, they kissed. This time when she felt his caress, she didn’t pull away.

  “That’s my girl.” He was smiling again when he leaned back in the booth. “You know what? I think you deserve another treat. I’ll be right back.”

  Sherry watched in confusion as he slid out of the booth. The man had one fine ass, she thought, watching him swagger to the bar. When he returned, he held a tray with two more beers and two shots.

  “Two for me and two for my Baby Doll,” he said placing the glasses in front of her. “Honey, you haven’t finished the first one yet. Drink up like a good girl so I can take the empties to the bar.”

  Not knowing how to refuse, Sherry picked up her glass and drained the contents. An hour later she stared at the empty glasses that now littered their table. Had they really drunk all that? She desperately needed to use the bathroom but was afraid to move. Her head had started to spin each time she shifted even slightly and now when Ricky spoke he sounded like he was in a tunnel far away. She watched him smile and drain his glass again. He actually had more than her, but he didn’t seem to be affected at all. Afraid he was going for more she wanted to cry in protest when he slipped out of the booth again. But Ricky only smiled and reached for her hand.